benedick was the first german pope in half a millennium. a brass band played the anthem of the very where the pope was born and raised. in his address, he spoke candidly about his almost eight- year papacy. he drew an analogy from the bible, saying there had been days of sunlight, but there had also been stormy waters and head winds when the lord seemed to be sleeping. the pope also directly addressed worshipers, expressing his gratitude for supporting his decision to step down. he said he would remain in the service of the church. >> i thank you all for respecting and understanding my decision, the decision i have taken for the good of the church. i will continue to accompany the church through prayer. >> there were moments of humility and moments of emotion as he found warm words for his followers. alabama we remain, dear friends, close to one another in prayer. i send my greetings to you all from all of my heart. god bless you. then the audience clearly appreciated the appearance, including the cardinals for whom a successor will be chos